CT Angiogram of the Upper Extremity - Overview & Technique

Computed tomography (CT) angiography is a relatively new procedure that provides high-resolution vascular images and detailed images of the adjacent bone and soft tissue. It is relatively non-invasive, with injection of the contrast medium through a peripheral vein. The accuracy of arterial visualization provided by CT angiography is comparable to that of DSA, and venous phase images are easily obtained.  Additionally, three-dimensional reformatting allows for excellent appreciation of anatomic relationships between bones, soft tissues, and the vascular system. Application of CT angiography is becoming more widespread, both for major vessel evaluation (thoracic and abdominal aorta) and smaller vascular beds such as the cerebral, pulmonary, renal, and mesenteric arterial systems. Computed tomographic angiography is a reliable and convenient imaging modality for diagnosing arterial injuries after blunt and penetrating trauma to the extremities. It is a noninvasive modality that could replace conventional arteriography as the initial diagnostic study for arterial injuries after trauma to the extremities.

CTA of the Upper Extremity - Alternative Names and Explanations

 CT Angiogram - Upper Extremity with or w/o contrast 73706, CTA Upper Extremity

Upper Extremity CTA - Benefits 

• CT is fast, which is important for patients who have trouble holding their breath.
• CT scanning is painless, noninvasive and accurate.
• A major advantage of CT is its ability to image bone, soft tissue and blood vessels all at the same time.
• Unlike conventional x-rays, CT scanning provides very detailed images of many types of tissue as well as the lungs, bones, and blood vessels.
• CT examinations are fast and simple; in emergency cases, they can reveal internal injuries and bleeding quickly enough to help save lives.
• CT has been shown to be a cost-effective imaging tool for a wide range of clinical problems.
• CT is less sensitive to patient movement than MRI.
• CT can be performed if you have an implanted medical device of any kind, unlike MRI.
• CT imaging provides real-time imaging, making it a good tool for guiding minimally invasive procedures such as needle biopsies and needle aspirations of many areas of the body, particularly the lungs, abdomen, pelvis and bones.
• A diagnosis determined by CT scanning may eliminate the need for exploratory surgery and surgical biopsy.
• No radiation remains in a patient's body after a CT examination.
• X-rays used in CT scans usually have no immediate side effects.
• Low-dose CT scans of the chest use a Upper dose of radiation than conventional chest CT.

• ct-angiogram-cta-upper-extremity
• show_title= link_titles= show_intro= show_section= link_section= show_category= link_category= show_vote= show_author= show_create_date= show_modify_date= show_pdf_icon= show_print_icon= show_email_icon= language= keyref= readmore=
• CT Angiogram of the Upper Extremity information including overview, technique, alternatives, benefits, and common findings. Schedule CTA of the upper extremity in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, or Glendale.
• robots= author=